Friend-Zoned (Friend-Zoned 1)

Where is this going?

I nod, “Uh, yeah. ”

He comments, “This is never easy to tell someone. ”

Grab your shit and run like hell!

Quiet, brain.

I quiet my voice and ask, “What is it Nik?”

He blurts out, “I had you investigated. ”

Uh, what?

“Uh, sorry. What?” I’m so confused.

He looks ashamed and explains. “When we met, and under the circumstances we met, I was really unsure of you. There have been a lot of women who have tried to get close to me for my money and I really needed to know if there was a possibility that you might be one of those people. ”

I don’t have anything to hide from Nik. I actually feel sorry that he’s had those past experiences and that they’ve made him unsure of people’s intentions towards him. I’m sad for him.

In saying that, I’m really distressed about the fact that he might know about Mia. When people find out about her, they start treating me differently and looking at me with pity. That’s normally the time I start avoiding them and I really don’t want to avoid Nik. I like Nik. I just would have hoped to be able to tell him about Mia in my own time.

I try to steady my thick voice, “Oh, Nik. I can understand that. And I don’t have anything to hide from you. ” I force a laugh. “I’m not after your friendship for money. ”

Looking shocked, he jolts slightly in his seat and agrees, “Oh, I know. I just didn’t want any secrets between us. And I wanted you to see the file yourself. ”

Sliding the file over to me, he smiles a small smile, “Knock yourself out”

I throw him a wary look before opening the file.

Oh My God!

There are at least ten pages. I’m shocked at how much the person put to this task was able to recover. There is my birth certificate, my address and phone numbers, most of my bank account statements (yikes), the deed to Safira’s building (well that cat’s out of the bag), business name certificate which shows my name registered as Safira Boutique’s owner, and a couple of pages of personal interests/schedules.

Holy Cannoli!

This guy was actually watching me. That’s kind of creepy.

There is nothing about Mia. Nothing about Jace Weathers. Or my Mom. He doesn’t know about Mom’s inheritance money. I relax slightly.

Nik is waiting nervously for me to say something.

I hold up the file and ask, “Can I keep this?”

He smiles again, “Of course. ”

I smile back, “Thanks, Nik. ”

Frowning down at the table, he softly says, “I hope I haven’t overstepped a line here. I would hate for things to become awkward between us. ” He clears his throat. “I like having you around. ”

I beam on the inside and assure, “No, not at all. It probably would’ve been weird if I found out some other way but you came right out and told me. And I understand why you did it. ” I chuckle, “After all, who sends a guy candy?” I cover my face with my hands and laugh out of embarrassment.

His shoulders slump and the look of relief is obvious on his face.

He laughs at my reaction. “I have to admit, I thought it was a little weird but now that I know you I think it was really sweet. ”

I lower my hands, turn my flushed face to his and smile, “So, we’re still friends right?”